Christians Targeted Amid Sudan War, Rights Groups Tell UN

Our Correspondent

The persecution of Christians amid Sudan’s ongoing civil war has been highlighted in a report submitted to the United Nations Human Rights Council for its Universal Periodic Review.

The submission, prepared with input from civil society organizations including the World Evangelical Alliance, Open Doors International, and Christian Solidarity International, documents systematic violations against Christians since fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in April 2023.

According to the report, which is assessed every four years under the council’s review mechanism, both warring parties have been implicated in attacks on civilians, leading to widespread civilian harm, mass displacement, and the collapse of essential services.

Religious leaders have been harassed, abducted or detained, and both groups are reported to have pressured Christians into supporting them. The report says some of the most concerning violations include attacks on Christians during armed conflict, gender-based and sexual violence, attacks on places of worship, violations of the right to religious education, and discrimination in access to humanitarian aid.

In Kadugli and El Obeid, it notes that military forces have taken over church premises for military purposes, including positioning vehicles and equipment. It also raises concerns about legal discrimination despite reforms. In some areas of Darfur, criminal complaints have been filed against Christian converts from Islam under the repealed apostasy provision.

While the cases did not proceed to trial, the individuals were reportedly detained, raising questions about implementation of legal reforms at the local level. Since 2023, the report adds, sexual violence, including rape and sexual slavery, has been used systematically by armed actors, with attacks reported on health facilities supporting survivors.

Christian women and girls, particularly ethnic Africans and converts, face heightened risks of sexual violence, domestic violence, abduction and forced marriage. The report further highlights the exclusion of religious leaders and local peace actors from peace processes. Among its recommendations, the report calls on Sudan to immediately cease attacks against civilians and civilian objects and ensure unhindered humanitarian access throughout the country without discrimination based on religion or belief, in accordance with international humanitarian law.

It also urges the government to protect the right to freedom of religion or belief and take measures to prevent violence, discrimination and attacks against Christians and other religious minorities, including attacks on places of worship.

It further recommends that Sudan amend or repeal provisions of the 1991 Penal Code and related legislation that are inconsistent with its international human rights obligations, and strengthen measures to prevent and address gender-based and conflict-related sexual violence, ensure accountability for perpetrators, and provide support for survivors.

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